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When I first learned about RISE Fitness Community last year, I knew they were a badass group of women who worked out really early in the morning in Upper Arlington. After sleeping through my alarm for a 5:30am workout with them during the fall of last year, I didn't know if I'd ever be invited back to RISE. Luckily, they are in to second chances.

RISE owners Michelle Fleming and Jessica Kopp started out by offering group runs and HIIT classes outside of Upper Arlington High School. RISE gained a core group of followers and a business was born. After a few years of not having an actual studio, Michelle and Jessica felt it was time to open up their own place to call home.

RISE recently opened their first physical space in Upper Arlington and I couldn't wait to check it out. I chose to come to a 6:45am HIIT IT RISE class, which explained by their website is a class thatwill push your limits! You will get to test the stronger, fitter body that you’ve earned this month. Anything goes. We want these workouts to be FUN, high energy, and unexpected. Using weights, body weight, and cardio HIIT moves, I was sweaty within 15 minutes. After about 45 minutes, Michelle took us back to the RISE Run Club (RRC) room. Picture a spinning studio, but with treadmills. Six minutes of intervals gave me a taste of what a true RRC would be like. I will be the first to admit that I really dislike running, but I think I'd really enjoy a full RRC class.

You can tell that RISE really is a community. And while RISE did start out as being a women's only group, men are now allowed, and encouraged to come to classes. Michelle and Jessica really have poured their heart and soul into the business. RISE has many class options including HIIT IT BUILD which is a combination of tougher exercises, faster transitions, a challenge to your cardiovascular system so that it learns to uptake oxygen faster, and continue to BUILD a stronger body; and HIIT IT ENDURE which focuses on endurance, muscle tone, definition, range of motion and challenge ancillary support muscles.

RISE has class times at 5:30am, 6:45am, 9:45am, 5:45pm and 7pm during the week, and late morning times on weekends. Make sure to check out our website at for full schedule and program information. RISE also offers full and half marathon training programs.